University Of Memphis East is hiring: Library Assistant II in Memphis

University of Memphis Career Opportunities

Bachelor’s degree and one (1) year of relevant experience. An appropriate combination of education and experience may substitute for the required degree.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Special Conditions

Works as a member of Government Publications, which serves as the Federal Regional Depository for the state of Tennessee and as a Tennessee Depository for state documents, utilizing knowledge of federal and state government functions and operations. This position carries out complex specialized government publications procedures and tasks including processing and maintenance of federal government publications in varied formats, in compliance with Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) guidelines (USC Title 44 Chapter 19). Assists users at the primary service points, the Research Assistance Desk (RAD) and online via Chat and Email, for information about collections and services of the University Libraries.

This position provides assistance in person, by telephone, or online, in identifying, locating, evaluating, and using resources needed to access information with an emphasis in government publications research. The specific duties, tasks, and responsibilities of this position are subject to change as technology advances and the needs and interests of the University Libraries, and the University of Memphis evolve over time.

Work Schedule

This is a full-time permanent position requiring a 37.5-hour work week. The primary work schedule for this position may be a 7.5 hour workday (for example, Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., or 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m., or 9:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.) with some flexibility—including scheduled night and/or weekend hours (for example, 1:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m.) during the academic term when the Libraries maintains a full schedule. The established schedule remains subject to change depending on the requirements of the position or the University Libraries.

Posting Date

Posting Date 02/17/2025

Closing Date

Closing Date 03/03/2025

Hiring Range

Hiring Range $15.45 per hour

Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee is occasionally required to stand; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Additional Working Conditions

Technologically oriented academic research library with some similarity to an office environment. Position has an extensive public service component requiring regular interaction with the general public. Position requires some standing, walking, and reaching. Incumbent must be able to bend, stoop, and lift up to 30 pounds. Responsibilities may require that the incumbent push and/or pull wheeled book trucks weighing up to 300 lbs.

Special Instructions to Applicants

All applications must be submitted online at workforum.memphis.edu. Applicants must complete all applicable sections of the online application to be considered for a position. Please upload a cover letter, resume, and three (3) references after completing your application, if required by the system. Required work experience is based on full time hours. Part time work experience will be prorated as listed.

Candidates who are called for an interview must notify the Department of Human Resources in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Positions Supervised

May supervise student assistants. Train and supervise staff as directed by department/unit supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Experience using computers in a work setting.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to learn the protocols for utilizing multiple software packages for managing and manipulation data.

Job Duties

Duties & Responsibilities

Works within the rules, regulations, and guidelines for federal depository libraries as established by the Government Publishing Office (GPO). Performs maintenance, record keeping, and public service functions for the tangible and electronic collection. Performs general database maintenance of federal documents bibliographic records in the Integrated Library System (ILS). This includes additions, deletions, updating of location/volume, troubleshooting of record overlay problems, serials title changes and other required editing. Shares responsibility for checking-in and processing federal documents receipts in all formats—paper, microfiche, CDs, DVDs, and online; serves as backup for the other staff members as needed. Works on the retrospective conversion of the pre-1976 government publications collection. Works with retrospective barcoding of the government publications collection. Uses various systems such as OCLC and Sierra to maintain, update, and correct records for government publications represented in the Libraries’ ILS. Utilizes WebTech Notes or other appropriate software for analyzing and solving technical problems, checking discrepancies, and making necessary changes to documents’ bibliographic and item records in the ILS. Works with the Cataloging Department and Libraries Information Systems to address problems with government document records in Libraries’ catalog. May assist with opening, unpacking, sorting, and distributing daily mail and deliveries of federal and Tennessee depository shipments and withdrawals. Assists with organizing and maintaining the physical collection, including shifting, labeling, barcoding, correcting, and boxing documents for remote storage. Shelves specialized publications and microfiche. Compiles data, statistics, and other information to communicate, present, and report relevant characteristics of the services and resources offered by Government Publications on a scheduled basis or as requested. Makes online claims for missing materials through the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) web site.

Updates Government Publications Processing Notes and creates new documentation as needed.

May share responsibility for or serve as a backup for checking-in and processing of Tennessee documents receipts in paper or digital format. May share responsibility for uploading documents in the University Libraries’ Digital Commons.

Provides direct user assistance on a scheduled basis at the RAD and on Chat/Email Reference Service with an emphasis in Government Publications. Fulfills scheduled shifts at the RAD and Chat/Email Service, reporting on time and taking the initiative to resolve scheduling conflicts in a timely manner, volunteering for others’ times as needed. Participates in staffing the RAD and Chat/Email Service as scheduled including evenings and some weekends. Conducts reference interviews in person, on the telephone, or using other available technology to identify and best serve the information needs of users. Assists users with searching print or online finding aids such as the online catalog, electronic databases, and/or indexes to locate information resources to meet their needs. May create, edit, or maintain finding aids for research use. Devises, demonstrates, and instructs users in devising appropriate strategies to find needed information. Interprets and evaluates all queries individually by conducting a thorough reference interview.

Assists users with locating and utilizing library materials in various formats, including periodicals, newspapers, microforms, maps and electronic or digital media.

Instructs users in the use of library equipment such as microform readers, printers, scanners, computers and copy machines. Interprets and implements official Libraries’ policies. Utilizes extensive knowledge of federal and state government functions, structures, operations and resources to answer queries related to all facets of governmental processes, including but not limited to, the legislative process and congressional citations; administrative rulemaking and adjudication; Supreme Court briefs and legal citations; and government statistics.

Serves as a resource person for other RAD team members on matters related to the government publications collection.

Maintains proficiency in areas of expertise and responsibilities.

Participates in training and workshops offered by GPO or other agencies focusing on the specific work and workflow related to the Government Publications collection.

Participates in training and workshops offered by GPO or other agencies focusing on the use of government publications to support research and teaching.

Monitors professional and scholarly communications (listservs, blogs, etc.) for information relevant to both the federal and state depository programs.

Participates in individual and group meetings related to the work of the department.

Participates in team meetings, training sessions, and webinars designed to develop and improve skills of the RAD team.

Participates in appropriate training sessions offered for University Libraries faculty and staff.

Participates in appropriate training sessions offered by the University’s Information Technology Services (ITS), Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), Human Resources (HR), or other groups on campus.

Participates in appropriate professional development activities and organizations.

Serves on Libraries’ committees and task forces as appropriate or as assigned.

Assumes other duties as assigned by her/his immediate supervisor and/or the Executive Director.

Other duties as assigned.